For the last few weeks, I have shared with you my nickel allergy journey. If you are interested, I first shared how I came to my diagnosis and how difficult it was to find answers in My Nickel Allergy Journey – Part 1. Last week, I shared what nickel is, why it can cause a reaction, and how to spot it in cosmetic product products. You can read about this in my Nickel Allergy Journey – Part 2. This week, I want to share with you what’s in my nickel-free make-up bag.
As said originally, I was shocked that all of my products contained nickel. I had already switched to cruelty-free, vegan, and so-called “natural” products. But all of them contain more traces than I can have with my nickel allergy. Buying make-up online (I have not found another place where you can buy it) without being able to try things first is hard. Each product can obviously react differently with your skin type. One product may look good on you but not the next person and vice versa. I read a lot of blogs to gauge a feeling for what products could work. If you are on a similar (necessary) journey hopefully this will help you 💕.
None of the products shown below are sponsored. I bought them all with my own money and I use them as part of my make-up routine. I have linked the products for your reference. Again none of these links are affiliates (meaning I do not receive a commission should you click on it). Also, for transparency, I am fairly light-skinned and am more on the dry-skin side.
What’s In My Nickel-free Make-Up Bag?
Face – BB Cream
I am not a huge foundation person, so I settled on this BB cream in “Luminous”. The texture is a bit weird when trying to apply. It does not go on like foundation or cream, but rather “stiff” might be the right word (?!). I use a make-up sponge to apply it. It lasts all day, has slight coverage and that “stiff” or heavy feeling coming originally out of the tube is definitely not felt on the face where it feels light and airy.
Face – Concealer
I was really worried about finding a good concealer because even the “natural” ones are a tough ship to navigate. I bought the Defence Color Luminizer (I believe it is in the color “Porzelan” – always the lightest choice for me) from BioNike on a whim and OMG this one is amazing!!! If you have ever used YSL concealer (IYKYK) – this one is similar but all natural!! Not cakey goes on easily and does not leave patchy eyes or get caught in fine lines (if you use a setting powder on top). I do find the BioNike website a bit tricky to navigate though.
Face – Face Tan Water
Not really something in my make-up bag, but I like to have a little bit more tan on my face. Unfortunately, most tanned skin cream, tanned anything products will contain nickel. This Eco by Sonya Face Water is the only thing I have found that does not!! I use it every second to third night before going to bed and provides a subtle glow to my skin.
Face – Blush and Highlighter
I love the blush and highlighter from 100 Percent Pure!! They are fantastic and provide great coverage. Unfortunately, though, clumsy me let both of them fall and they do break easily. So be careful on that front. I have the Fruit Pigmented Gemmed Luminizer in “Pink Gold Taffeta” and the Fruit Pigmented Blush in “Peppermint Candy”. I also have this Defence Color Glam Touch in “102 Tulpe”. However, I have never been a super big fan of cream blush I find it tricky to apply the right amount. It does its job though, even if not my favorite.
Eyes – Eye Shadow
Again, this one is super tricky to navigate because ALL eyeshadows contain nickel. I bought the Fruit Pigment Pretty Naked Palette and as with all things 100 Percent Pure, it did not disappoint. Yes, it is pricey but it will last a really long time and the colors are lovely muted naturals. The eyeshadow also lasts pretty well and long once applied.
Eyes – Mascara
I feared that this would be the hunt of a lifetime. M.y eyelashes are super weird and never do what they are meant. It always took me forever to find a new mascara (if I was looking). So I prepared myself to not be happy on this one or need to sink a lot of money before finding something that works. Just like with the concealer I was so surprised and happy on my first try! This Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara lasts all day (minimal to no smudge, despite not being waterproof). An added bonus is that it comes off super easy in the evening (gentle rub with a soft wash cloth and water). I have recommended it to so many people who also have problems with their eyes and they are also in love!!
Eyes – Brows
I did not take individual pictures of the next two, but you can see them in the rest of the pictures. I am not a huge brow person so there is probably a lot more you could do in this department but this Green Tea Fiber Brow Builder does the job just fine for me. Think Benefit brow building – you are in that category of glorious 🥰.
Eyes – Eye Pencil/Liner
This eyeliner pencil is amazing, it lasts and goes on super easily. One of the most sold-out products in the 100 Percent Pure range. I use “Dark Cocoa” and you have to be on the lookout for when it is available.
Lips – Lipstick
I love a good lipstick and bold color, so again this was not something I was not looking forward to navigating. But, again, the lipsticks from 100 Percent Pure are AMAZING!! I have the Fruit Pigment Cocoa Butter Matte Lipsticks. They are pricey, but you do not have to re-apply often. You can also easily add a bit of lip butter on top for a shine. They also do not dry your lips out. I have the colors “Currant”, “Marrakesh”, “Strawberry Cactus”, and “Protea” (not pictured). They are all beautiful and I receive so many compliments when wearing them.
And that is my excursion into what’s in my nickel-free make-up bag. As said, I know this process can be daunting. But once you find a brand you love and that works with your skin (for me, this was definitely 100 Percent Pure) it will become easier and you can “build up” your make-up bag again. A lot of the products I now use are better than anything I had prior 🤗. All the best for your journey 💚.
(Update added in 2023): I stand by everything in this post and still use all the same products. But I have also dabbled further into some other ones. If you want an UPDATE: What’s In My Nickel-Free Make Up Bag, check out that post too.
Hello, I have just read your journey about your hunt for makeup without nickel. I was diagnosed with an allergy to nickel, gold, potassium dichromate, parabens, and fragrance..years ago…oh and dust mites. I am wanting to try the 100% pure cosmetics but am hesitant due to my fragrance allergy. Does the makeup have a scent? I do see that they contain alot of oils and extracts. Thank you, Staci Wilson
Hi Staci, I am so sorry you have experienced similar struggles and I hope that my post helped you – if not in the least to let you know you are not alone.
There is a list of ingredients on their website so you could check each one for the product you are interested in and see whether they are compatible with you? You could also ask the customer service desk to be absolutely and on the safe side with regards to fragrances? Personally, I have never noticed a strong smell – but perhaps I am simply not susceptible to it?
I will put as a disclaimer that I am of course not a doctor – so please consult with your physician if ever in doubt but I hope this helps and I cross my fingers for you that this may be a brand that will allow you to put on some makeup again should you wish to do so 🙂 let me know how it goes!! Ann xx
Hi! I was just diagnosed with a nickel and gold allergy, so your website is a huge blessing! I am really interested in the BioNike stuff, but I can only seem to order it/ship it to Italy, Austria, or Germany. Is there a way/website where I can purchase it for an USA address? Until then, I will try 100% Pure. Thank you!!
Hi! First off, I am so sorry to hear that and thank you very much for your kind words!! I am so glad it helps! I just had a quick look and it appears that you can get BioNike on Amazon? Give that a go (in any case the 100% stuff is fantastic). All the best on your journey and please let me know how it goes. xx
Hello! I am on a very similar journey with nickel and iron oxide allergies! I just wondered if you colour your hair and if so what you use? I used to dye my hair blonde but had to give it up completely due to allergic reactions and I’ve never known if it was my nickel allergies or something else. I use all the same make up as you and agree that it’s fabulous!!
Hi Emma,
Thank you so much for the feedback and so glad that you are liking the cosmetic too!! You know what – I never thought about my har coloring in relation to the nickel allergy. It is a really good point. I “only” get highlights and my hairdresser never puts them up the root but like a millimeter below. So I never had a reaction but it is “just” conventional color that I receive… Sorry that I cannot be of more help. Ann x
Hello! This is so helpful, thank you! Which setting powder do you use?
Hi Kristy,
Thank you so much, and I am really glad you found it helpful! I use the setting powder from 100 Percent Pure by now… it is called Bamboo Blur Powder.
Good luck! Ann x
Hi All
I also have a severe nickel allergy resulting in me losing 50 % of my hair and my skin looked like I was in a fire. I am sure you already know but for those that don’t. Nickel is in alot of products like tweezers yogurts chocolate some medications and even some teas like barley tea.
Just thought this might help too. Thanks for your guidance on make up. As its a nightmare to find make up without tin or iron oxides. Xx
Hi Maria,
I am so sorry to hear that and I sincerely hope you are on the mend by now. Thank you for sharing your story and advice. You are right, my nickel allergy is not as severe (albeit I have noticed I am starting to struggle to wear stud earrings…) but it is a really important and good point!
All the best on your journey. Ann xx